BARCELONA, Spain—Thousands of pro-Catalan independence supporters on Tuesday protested the start of a Spanish court investigation into the regional government’s symbolic referendum on secession from Spain last year.
New Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau headed the demonstration, reading a statement backing Catalonia’s demand for the right to self-determination. The rally came after a regional official and a former regional deputy president were questioned over their suspected roles in holding the poll.
Catalonia’s regional leader Artur Mas is also under investigation and is scheduled to testify Thursday.
Prosecutors accuse Artur Mas of grave disobedience, abuse of public funds, prevarication, usurping powers, and obstructing justice.
